Twelve days tracing the colonial and ancient threads that run through Sri Lanka’s history from the sacred capital of Anuradhapura through the Kandyan highlands to the Dutch fort of Galle – with wildlife in Yala and the Indian Ocean’s finest southern beaches completing the journey. A route that gives Sri Lanka’s history a physical geography.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo. An evening heritage walk through colonial Colombo explores the Dutch fort precinct, the Pettah market district and the Galle Face seafront. Overnight at Uga Residence, Colombo.
Scenic drive north to Sri Lanka’s most ancient capital. Explore the UNESCO-listed sacred precinct of Anuradhapura – the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the great white dagobas and the moonstone carvings of the temple entrances. Overnight at Uga Ulagalla in the Anuradhapura region.
Continue to the Sigiriya region for a relaxed afternoon of swimming and acclimatisation at your luxury nature resort with Sigiriya Rock visible from the grounds. Overnight at Water Garden Sigiriya.
Sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress for the summit panorama and a guided examination of the frescoes and water gardens at their golden-hour best. Afternoon countryside village experience with a traditional catamaran boat ride on the reservoir and a home-cooked local lunch. Overnight at Water Garden Sigiriya.
Drive to Kandy via Matale spice gardens. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the late afternoon for the Puja ceremony. Overnight at Kings Pavilion, Kandy.
Scenic drive through the tea estates into Sri Lanka’s cool highland capital. Visit the colonial Nuwara Eliya town and the surrounding tea estates in the afternoon light. Overnight at The Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.
Board the scenic hill country railway at Nanu Oya for the celebrated descent to Ella – one of the world’s great train journeys – past waterfalls, tea rows and cloud forest. Explore Nine Arches Bridge on arrival. Overnight at 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella.
Drive south through the plains to Yala National Park. Afternoon safari experience with private naturalist guide. Overnight at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala.
Continue to Sri Lanka’s southern coast and check in to Cape Weligama – a clifftop resort with panoramic Indian Ocean views and one of the finest pool settings on the southern coast. Overnight at Cape Weligama.
A full day for the Indian Ocean – swimming, spa treatments or a wander through the surf village of Weligama below the cliff. Overnight at Cape Weligama.
Morning transfer to Galle Fort for a guided heritage walk through the UNESCO-listed walled city. Explore the boutique streets, climb the ramparts and end the day watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean from the fort’s western bastion. Overnight at Amangalla, Galle Fort.
Transfer to Colombo via the Southern Expressway and onward to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
